2020 Week of the Wattle
Australia’s Week of the Wattle
Sat. 29 Aug – Sun. 6 Sept 2020
Wattle is a symbol of unity and resilience
– we need both to get through these difficult Covid-19 times.
A number of planned wattle festivals and wattle-themed markets and library activities around Australia, such as the Hurstbridge Wattle Festival in the town of Hurstbridge, Victoria, the Wattle Festival at Dalwallinu WA and Australian Wattle Day at the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston Canberra have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 virus to ensure the safety and well being of the community.
However other events are happening still, but in a different way. For example, in Victoria Wattle Day Folk dancing (Victorian Folk Music Club) and the launch of artworks created for the ‘The Acacia Project’ have gone online.
Lighting up for National Wattle Day
Around Australia, national institutions and city councils are exploring other ways to celebrate this national day. For the first time, for example, a number are lighting up landmarks in shades of yellow to wish everyone a Happy Wattle Day…at a safe distance.
National institutions such as the National Gallery of Australia, Parliament House and the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra are opening up their national collections via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for us to see what wattle is there.
Let us know about your Wattle day activities and events if you would like us to list them below. Just email our Communication Manager with the details is a simple format for this page.
The following listing is by State/Territory in alphabetical order.
Mt Morgan Rochampton – Wattle Fun Day cancelled
Australian Capital Territory
Canberra
Australia’s national institutions are joining together to light up Australia’s spring capital to welcome in the spring and wish everyone across Australia a ‘Happy Wattle Day’.
Wattle is a symbol of unity and resilience – we need both to get through these difficult Covid-19 times.
Australia’s spring capital is lighting up Gold, Gold, Gold!
Enjoy the Golden Walk from Bowen Place, across Kings Avenue Bridge up to the Carillon as they light up in yellow courtesy of the National Capital Authority.
Take the best photographs of these Canberra landmarks as they are bathed in yellow light to wish you a Happy Wattle Day.
Telstra Tower is lighting up in yellow courtesy of Telstra
Australia’s national institutions are joining together to create a golden glow in the night sky – just like blooming wattle in our parks and reserves during the day.
Bowen Place, Kings Avenue Bridge & the National Carillon – courtesy of the National Capital Authorirty
Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre
Questacon – The Ian Potter Foundation Technology Learning Centre (Deakin)
The National Carillon
The Royal Australian Mint (Deakin)
The Shine Dome – courtesy of the Australian Academy of Science
National Arboretum Canberra – wattle walks
Australia’s floral emblem – the Golden Wattle – will be in bloom to welcome you!
Springtime Wattle Walks (60 minutes each)
Click here: https://www.stickytickets.com.au/9ef3m/wattle_walks__29_august__1_september.aspx
Saturday, 29 August at 11.00 am and 2 pm
Tuesday 1 September at 11.00 am and 2 pm
Meet at the Village Centre
Details: Celebrate springtime in Canberra with guided walks through the 25 different wattle varieties in the Southern Tablelands Ecosystems Park (STEP) at the National Arboretum Canberra.
The walk will last around 90 minutes and will need moderate fitness. Please wear sturdy footwear, bring water and dress for the weather conditions.
You will need to register on the Arboretum’s website. Click here
‘Grow your own Golden Wattle’ workshop and walk Sunday 30 August 10:30 am – 12 pm
Meet at the STEP Shed National Arboretum Canberra
Wattle Corner – Village Centre – National Arboretum Canberra
Date and time: Saturday 29 Aug. and Sunday, 30 Aug. at 9.00 am to 4.00 pm
The Wattle Day Association is hosting its annual ‘Wattle Corner’ at the NAC Village Centre.
We will be showcasing blooming wattles in in our ‘Wattle in a Bottle’ display.
Mt Taylor Wattle Walk
Acacia penninervis is one of the wattles you will see
Photo: Kathy Eyles
When: 2 pm Sunday 30 August 2020
Please RSVP Sunday 23 August to Mt Taylor Parkcare by email to book your spot as numbers will be limited.
E: mttaylorparkcaregroup@gmail.com
Government House Canberra
A ceremonial planting of a Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha) and a presentation of a basket of wattle to Their Excellencies will take place to celebrate National Wattle Day as students from Turner Primary School sing ‘The Wattle Blooms’ composed by Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley.
A presentation of a basket of Wattle to their Excellencies on behalf of Australia’s school children.
Golden Wattles (pictured below) were presented to Quentin Bryce in 2013 by the President Terry Fewtrell of the Wattle Day Association and at nine years of age have grown tall at Government House. Members of the association, Florence Fahy and Suzette Searle were delighted to see it in full flower in September last year
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Buy your own Golden Wattle – while stocks last
GreenGold Nursery – long-time supporter of National Wattle Day is one of the few nurseries in Canberra that carries Australia’s national floral emblem – Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha).
Shop 12
O’Hanlon Place
Federation Square
Nicholls ACT 2913
Phone:
02 6230 2000
Website: http://www.greengoldnursery.com.au/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/greengoldfedsquare/
Wattles – so many for your garden and property
Cool Country Natives provides a wide range of acacias, including endemic species, that are suitable for planting in backyards and on properties. Our sizes range from tube stock to pots with many bird and insect attracting species available.
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Cool Country Natives
5A Beltana Road, Pialligo ACT 2609 02 6257 6666 |
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| Species available at the moment:
Acacia acinacea Acacia Burgundy Cascade Acacia dealbata Acacia fimbriata Acacia glaucoptera |
Acacia iteaphylla
Acacia longifolia Acacia parramattensis Acacia pravissima Acacia ulicifolia Acacia strict |
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Don’t miss out as the wattles from around Australia come into bloom
11.00 am – 12.00 pm daily, 29 August–6 September — Meet at the clock near the bridge
Wander through the wattles, the genus Acacia, while they are in full bloom. Join a Volunteer Guide to hear about their symbolism and cultural history on this one-hour walk which celebrates our national floral emblem.
Along the way you’ll learn fascinating stories about this widespread genus, and enjoy the first signs of spring.
Tours are available for of up to 10 people from two household groups maximum to maintain physical distancing in the Gardens.
No bookings required.
https://parksaustralia.gov.au/botanic-gardens/do/whats-on/wattle-walks/
Wattle Window displays
Checkout the fabulous wattle window displays at the Parliament House Gift Shop. The displays at the Botanical Bookshop (Australian National Botanic Gardens) and Manuka Woolshed at the Manuka shops are also pictured.
Parliament House Gift Shop
National Museum of Australia |
Botanical Bookshop – ANBG Canberra
Manuka Woolshed Canberra |
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National Museum of Australia
The famous Dargie portrait of Queen Elizabeth ll in her wattle dress will be on display from 28 August for a month
in the in the Friends Lounge
Virtually yours at the National Gallery of Australia
The Australian National Gallery Canberra is sharing wattle-themed paintings and prints from the national collection with us all on National Wattle Day via social media (Facebook and Instagram).
The Wattle Tree by Dorrit Black (1933?) Courtesy of the National Gallery of Australia
If you follow instagram or Facebook these are the links to the National Gallery of Australia.
https://www.instagram.com/nationalgalleryaus
https://www.facebook.com/NationalGalleryofAustralia/
National Portrait Gallery via social media
Australian ceramicist, Thanacoupie, whose totem name means ‘wattle flower’ will be featured on the gallery’s social media.
https://www.portrait.gov.au/portraits/2004.47/thanacoupie/
Museum of Democracy in Old Parliament House
Great for the kids! The MoAD On Air PlayUp team will be celebrating National Wattle Day on the On Air PlayUp episode on Tuesday 1 September.
The Australian War Memorial – Facebook post
The Australian War Memorial will be posting a wattle-related item from its national collection on its Facebook for National Wattle Day.
What will it be?
ACT Citizenship Ceremonies with a Wattle Welcome to Australia’s new citizens
Tuesday 1 September 2020 10 am and 1.30 pm (by invitation only)
Albert Hall on Commonwealth Avenue
Guest speaker: Mr Terry Fewtrell – Wattle Day Association Inc.
Terry’s Wattle Day Welcome speech is here for use at other Australian Citizenship ceremonies.
New South Wales
Bungendore
Wood Works Gallery
Date and time: Sat. 29 Aug to Tues 1 September
at 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Wood Works Gallery – Bungendore NSW
Hand-crafted wattle woods turned or cut into unique Australian gifts and world class blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) furniture will be featured at this award-winning gallery on National Wattle Day.
Blackwood pieces – from benches, chairs, coffee tables to mirrors, bowls, chef platters, serving trays, chopping boards, trinket boxes and coasters will be available.
Queanbeyan
Monaro Street and the relatively new shared path/pedestrian bridge will be lit in yellow all week from Mon. 31 Aug. to Sun. 6 Sept. courtesy of the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council
Queensland
Brisbane – lighting up for National Wattle Day for the first time
Monday 31 August – the eve of National Wattle Day Brisbane is lighting up in yellow to invite all of us to celebrate National Wattle Day on Tuesday 1 September !
Eve of National Wattle Day
Monday 31 August – the eve of National Wattle Day Brisbane is lighting up in yellow to invite all of us to celebrate National Wattle Day on Tuesday 1 September !
This Light Up is organised in collaboration with the Wattle Day Association Inc. (Brisbane member Mike Gilmour)
Venues:
Victoria Bridge, Brisbane City.
Reddacliff Place, Brisbane City.
Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point.
Tropical Display Dome, Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha
National Wattle Day – Tues 1 September
9.30 am – Enjoy a morning walk through the wattles led by a botanist through the Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens, to be followed by coffee at the Café to hear about the history of the Queensland Wattle Day League.
Kurilpa Bridge will be lighting up on the evening of 1 September, courtesy Queensland State Government.
Capalaba (s e Brisbane)
Hosted by IndigiScapes Centre
The IndigiScapes Centre is Redland City Council’s environment education centre.
Situated on 14.5 hectares of serene natural bushland, IndigiScapes offers native botanical gardens, a native nursery, bush trails, a nature playground and café specialising in local cuisine with a bush tucker twist
More info: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/d41d8cd9/national-wattle-day/1009101492877403/
Russell Island
15 High Street
Wattle Day celebrations hosted by Canaipa Nursery and Tea Garden
Free Sausage Sizzle
plus giveaways
And the lucky door prize!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/canaipa-nursery-and-tea-garden/wattle-day-celebrations/623590445231861/
Caboolture Hub
The Caboolture Hub will be lighting up in yellow on the eve and the night of National Wattle Day on Monday 31 August and 1 September – courtesy of the Moreton Bay Regional Council.
Townsville lighting up for the whole week of the wattle!
Tuesday 1 Sept
The Strand Fountain (below) at the end of Oxley Street in Townsville will be golden.
Townsville City Council is lighting up the:
Townsville Sign
Wharton Reef Lighthouse (on Palmer Street)
Victoria Bridge
George Roberts Bridge
Bulletin Square
Little Fletcher Bridge
Central Park Boardwalk
Tues. 1 Sept.
Unique Unicorns Early Childhood Development Centre will have wattle crafts and sing-along wattle songs
Tasmania
Hobart (1-6 Sept)
Hobart is lighting up gold! The Wattle Day Association in collaboration with Hobart City Council is lighting up Hobart landmarks (The Cardinal Lights on Franklin Wharf, and Elizabeth Mall, Railway Roundabout Fountain and Franklin Square) for the Week of the Wattle (1-6 September 2020).
The five Cardinal Lights along Lady Franklin Wharf Hobart
were golden to welcome in the first week of spring. Photo: James Alexander
Victoria
Online Tues 1 Sept. ‘The Acacia Project’ Tues. 1 September (National Wattle Day)
‘The Acacia Project’ will be launched on 1 September via ZOOM
The Acacia Project
Illustrating the Rare, Endangered and Unusual Acacias of the RBGM
Talking Online with Pam McDiarmid
Tuesday 1 September at 4pm
Friends RBGV $5 Non-Members $10
https://rbgfriendsmelbourne.tidyhq.com/public/schedule/events/30674
Bookings are essential to receive the Zoom link.
Commonly known as Wattle, Acacia is the largest genus of vascular plants in Australia with almost all the known 1070 species occurring naturally on our continent. Our FRBGM Botanical Illustrators, the Whirlybirds, established The Acacia Project in 2019 to document and depict the most rare, endangered and unusual of these trees or shrubs. Twenty four artworks have now been produced by these talented artists and specimens collected to be donated to the National Herbarium of Victoria.
Aptly on National Wattle Day, Pam McDiarmid, creator and manager of this highly valued project, will talk to us about the process that’s been involved in bringing this project to life and celebrate these fire-resistant shrubs.
Acacia argyrophylla by Audrey Baillie
Online Sat 5 Sept. – virtual bush dancing courtesy of the Victorian Folk Music Club
Wattle Day is a day to celebrate all things Australian. To stimulate an interest in music the Victorian Folk Music Club Inc. is presenting a day of music and dance related workshops and sessions on Saturday 5th September.
Sessions are free, online and each lasts an hour. Participants can attend any or as many as you wish, just register interest at:
https://events.humanitix.com/vfmc-wattle-day
A virtual bush dance will be held in the evening, and there will also be activities of interest to children. For information see www.vfmc.org.au
Top five wattle places in Victoria
In honour of National Wattle Day on Sunday 1 September, Parks Victoria has picked five places across the state you can visit to see wattle.
With over 160 different species of wattle found in Victoria, and 14 of those found nowhere else in the world, you’re almost guaranteed to see their fluffy yellow blossoms if you get outdoors during winter and spring.
1 September also marks the beginning of National Biodiversity Month, a time to promote the importance of protecting, conserving and improving biodiversity across the world.
Where are they?
Warrandyte State Park– Pound Bend Reserve
At the closest state park to Melbourne you can enjoy walking or picnicking amongst brilliant golden wattles including at least 15 different species native to the area. People have been travelling here to see wattles in bloom for generations!
Cape Conran Coastal Park – Yeerung River
Out to the east of the state you’ll find several species of wattle alongside some gnarly serrated banksias, pretty melaleucas and paperbarks. Walk along the Estuary View Trail to experience a mix of different ecosystems, native plants and animals.
Greater Bendigo National Park – One Tree Hill
The regional city of Bendigo is surrounded by forest that comes alive with wattle and other flowers from August onwards. If you haven’t had your fill of wattle after visiting One Tree Hill, head closer to town and check out Solomon Gully Nature Conservation Reserve.
Lerderderg State Park – Lerderderg campground area
Just over an hour north west of the Melbourne CBD is this remote park, which turns on a surprising display of colour. Check out wattles, peas, heath and orchids.
Wattle Park
Visitors can enjoy a blend of historic buildings, picnic grounds, walking tracks and natural bush spread over 55 hectares. Towering gums, beautiful wattles and native grasses make it an easy metropolitan escape.